When you have family or friends staying overnight, you want to make them feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. Even if you are a super tight-knit family or the closest of friends, sharing space overnight can be a little awkward.

Here are some tips for preparing your guest bathroom for visitors.

Clean It Up

A spotless, fresh bathroom is the first step to making your guests feel at home. Remove any old, dried-up, cracked bars of soap from the shower and replace them with brand new bars. Save half-empty shampoo bottles and bath gels that have been there since who-knows-when for the kids and replace them with something special that you know your guests will love. If you’ve got a hamper in the bathroom that your guests are using, hide it or take it out while they are there. It’ll make a little extra room and help the room feel and smell clean. The only exception to the hamper rule is if you’ve got a beautiful Nila Teak Laundry or Storage Hamper. You wouldn’t want to hide such a beautiful piece of teak furniture. Plus it’s a great place to stack some super-plush bath sheets for your guests.

Make a Welcome Basket

Your Original Moa Teak Amenities Tray isn’t just beautiful, it’s functional. Fill it with a selection of necessities including fluffy, clean hand towels and washcloths, yummy-smelling french soaps, and special spa-like items like loofahs, shower gels and luxurious moisturizers.

Add Some Extras

Fresh flowers are a great way to let your guests know you appreciate them and made a special effort to make them feel welcome. Bottled water or a carafe of filtered water and sparkling clean glasses are a nice touch. Think about what makes you feel special at a fancy hotel, and try to duplicate that feeling for your guests. Maybe add some fuzzy slippers, a drawer with personal care items they may need, and some scented candles.Here are a few out-of-the-bathroom tips for your guests.

Tell Them What’s Up

The remote controls, thermostats, window latches and other things that are second nature to you may baffle your guests. Take some time to communicate with them. Give them the tour and explain where things are and how they work.

Ask What They Need

Don’t forget to ask your guests if there is anything they need that you haven’t provided. They may feel bad asking you to go out of their way. If you ask, and offer to get them anything they need, they’ll feel relieved and more at home.

Think about Departure Day

Are your guests embarking on a road trip when they leave you? Or maybe they’ll be on their way to the airport. They’ll feel so special and pampered when you present them with their goodie bags full of road-trip snacks, airport reading material, mini-bottles of hand sanitizer and other goodies.

Most of all, enjoy your guests while they are there. If you are prepared in advance, everything will go smoothly and everyone will be happy.